James Bayes
Niceville - James Lee Bayes passed on January 4, 2021, from complications of Alzheimer's. He was born April 25, 1941 in Lansing, Michigan, to Thelma and John Bayes.
He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1959 until his retirement in 1984. He obtained the grade of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) and served honorably for 25 years as a Satellite Communication Superintendent. His tours of duty included overseas assignments to Viet Nam, Germany, Philippines, Spain, and Hawaii. Along the way, he continued his quest for a higher education and acquired two graduate degrees. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and earned Varsity letters for three years in football, basketball, track/field and baseball.
He will be missed by all that knew him, especially his wife Maria of 47 years. They were inseparable. His favorite pastime was scuba diving, spearfishing, downhill skiing, and jogging. In his earlier years, in the Air Force, he enjoyed playing baseball and racket ball.
James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Thelma Bayes, and older sister Carol (Bayes) Herrick, (Denver, CO). He is survived by his brothers Phil (Mary) Bayes (St. Louis, MO), Rohn Bayes (San Antonio, TX), Terry (Jan) Bayes (Spring Lake, MI); sister, Suzanne (Phil) (Bayes) Weatherly (Oceanside, CA).
There will be a viewing on Monday, January 11, 2021 from 3 pm until 5pm, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida 32578. On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 9 am at Barrancas National Cemetery, in Pensacola Florida we will say our final farewell, with military honors. Please feel free to make any donations/contributions to the charity of your choice. That was his final wish. May he rest in peace.
Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.mclaughlintwincities.com.